Behind-the-scenes video shows the CG process used to create Japan’s new Godzilla 【Video】

The King of the Monsters gets some help from masters of digital visuals.

In a number of ways, the just-released Shin Godzilla (to be called Godzilla Resurgence overseas), is a throwback to the franchise’s older movies. Unlike later films where the King of the Monsters unwittingly serves as the protector of humanity, Godzilla is back to being a clear antagonist. His smoldering body seems like an obvious reference for the nuclear destruction he was originally a metaphor for. He has a neck again.

Still, the production isn’t entirely old-school. Co-director Hideaki Anno may be a well-known fan of Japanese tokusatsu special effects shows (as displayed in the similarities to be found between fight scenes in Anno’s Evangelion anime and the Ultraman TV series), but that doesn’t mean Shin Godzilla was going to shackle itself by shunning CG visuals.

Don’t go thinking the production staff got off easy just because it wasn’t using practical effects for everything, though. As this new video from distributor Toho shows, a lot of effort went into the impressive action that’s been showcased in the movie’strailers.

Since the film crews couldn’t very well blow up the portions of Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture that Godzilla rampages through, artists had to add in not only the kaiju himself, but also atmospheric effects such as explosions, smoke, and fire to the filmed environments.

Local authorities in Japan are notoriously unwilling to shut down streets or airspace for an extended length of time to facilitate filming. That means deploying actual military hardware such as tanks and helicopters in urban centers is particularly problematic, so this obstacle too was overcome with the use of digital craftsmanship.

▼ Work-in-progress CG tanks along the real-world Tamagawa River

And since there’s no CG man inside a CG rubber suit playing this Godzilla, his movements had to be meticulously programmed by animators, many of whom no doubt despaired when they first saw just how long and multi-segmented the creature’s tail is this time around.

▼ With all of the geometric shapes, the animation test looks like an HD remake of the Godzilla NES game.

So don’t worry, the only physical damage you have to worry about Godzilla causing is staining your clothes if you’re a messy eater.